The leadership and criminal network of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) are alleged to have stolen R300 million.
This was revealed to the portfolio committee on Trade, Industry and Competition by the Special Investigative Unit.
According to Mat Cuthbert, DA shadow deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, the unit told the committee that close on 50 separate cases of corruption and misappropriation of funds will be investigated.
With only 12 of the 50 cases finalised, it is clear that by the time the investigation is concluded, the funds allegedly misappropriated and stolen will far exceed this R300 million, said Cuthbert.
The allegations levelled against the NLC leadership reportedly include acts committed by individuals and board members.
“A large portion of the misappropriated funds, intended for drug rehabilitation centres, old age homes and the empowerment of women and youth, was allegedly spent on luxury cars and houses,” Cuthbert said.
“We urge the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority to act swiftly against these shameless individuals who have stolen money meant to uplift the most marginalised in our society.”
